Meet the team
At the core of the Primary Engineer team is the understanding that the work we do has a tremendous effect on children’s lives. Alongside the hard work there is a lot of laughter and a significant ‘wow’ factor – you only have to join in one of our activities to see why we do it!
Dr Susan Scurlock MBE
Founder & CEO of Primary Engineer
Dr Susan Scurlock MBE, Founder & CEO of Primary Engineer
I enjoyed primary school thoroughly, well apart from music, barn dancing and learning French! I especially loved art, maths, physics, and history. I was one of only two girls in the physics class and, to my irritation still, was not allowed to study Technical Drawing as it was a ‘boys only’ subject at the time! If I am honest my nickname at secondary school was SWOT – I loved being in the classroom, and always did my homework on time!
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
I founded Primary Engineer in 2005 and over the years worked with the team to develop many programmes aimed at inspiring all young people with and towards engineering careers. I firmly believe that all children should have the opportunity to engage with engineering as a right! And that due to that be able to achieve their potential.
Chris Rochester
UK Director
Chris Rochester, UK Director
When I was at Primary School I wanted to be a journalist – I think initially it was wanting to be Clark Kent (and of course Superman), but later ‘Press Gang’(a great TV show for kids – Google it)r was an influence too. I liked the idea of investigating and finding out about things and had a passion for reading and really enjoyed writing.
What does your role at primary Engineer involve?
I joined Primary Engineer in 2014 having been a primary school teacher and initially designed Primary Engineer’s Postgraduate Certificate in Engineering STEM and the Early Years Engineer Programme. As UK Director, I head up our Partnerships with funders and supporters across all Primary Engineer Programmes working with our existing stakeholders and developing new relationships with engineering industry, businesses and education partners.
Dr Susan Scurlock MBE
Founder & CEO of Primary Engineer
Dr Susan Scurlock MBE, Founder & CEO of Primary Engineer
I enjoyed primary school thoroughly, well apart from music, barn dancing and learning French! I especially loved art, maths, physics, and history. I was one of only two girls in the physics class and, to my irritation still, was not allowed to study Technical Drawing as it was a ‘boys only’ subject at the time! If I am honest my nickname at secondary school was SWOT – I loved being in the classroom, and always did my homework on time!
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
I founded Primary Engineer in 2005 and over the years worked with the team to develop many programmes aimed at inspiring all young people with and towards engineering careers. I firmly believe that all children should have the opportunity to engage with engineering as a right! And that due to that be able to achieve their potential.
Chris Rochester
UK Director
Chris Rochester, UK Director
When I was at Primary School I wanted to be a journalist – I think initially it was wanting to be Clark Kent (and of course Superman), but later ‘Press Gang’(a great TV show for kids – Google it)r was an influence too. I liked the idea of investigating and finding out about things and had a passion for reading and really enjoyed writing.
What does your role at primary Engineer involve?
I joined Primary Engineer in 2014 having been a primary school teacher and initially designed Primary Engineer’s Postgraduate Certificate in Engineering STEM and the Early Years Engineer Programme. As UK Director, I head up our Partnerships with funders and supporters across all Primary Engineer Programmes working with our existing stakeholders and developing new relationships with engineering industry, businesses and education partners.
Stan Cookson
Head of Operations
Stan Cookson, Head of Operations
When I was at Primary School I wanted to be so many things; either the Prime Minister to make things better for everyone, a Spaceman as I thought it would be a cool adventure or a Soldier like my father who was my absolute hero. I was born into the army and we travelled extensively. I attended more than 8 schools by the time I was 13 so it was quite difficult at times. I missed on some curriculum items but was advanced in others. It was great making so many new friends all the time. I ended up as an Engineer Officer in the Merchant Navy when I left school continuing my passion for engineering, travel and adventure.
What does your role at primary Engineer involve?
I joined Primary Engineer as the Head Of Operations where I have overall responsibility to the Directors for all company support across Marketing, Service Delivery, IT, HR, Finance and Legals. My background is developing business across all functional areas. It is a very varied role and very enjoyable at Primary Engineer knowing we are encouraging more children, and especially girls to consider engineering careers. I help formulate company strategy and then work with the teams to implement the strategy providing direction and support.
Andrew Norris
Head of Partnerships – Central England
Andrew Norris, Head of Partnerships – Central England
Some of my earliest memories are of time spent on my Grandad’s farm so any job that involved tractors or diggers would probably have been top of the list!
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
As a member of the Partnerships team I build relationships with business, local government and universities. This involves looking for organisations with similar aims to Primary Engineer and explaining ways in which we can work together. I also enjoy working with our existing funders and love hearing about the difference made to our lives by engineers.
Stan Cookson
Head of Operations
Stan Cookson, Head of Operations
When I was at Primary School I wanted to be so many things; either the Prime Minister to make things better for everyone, a Spaceman as I thought it would be a cool adventure or a Soldier like my father who was my absolute hero. I was born into the army and we travelled extensively. I attended more than 8 schools by the time I was 13 so it was quite difficult at times. I missed on some curriculum items but was advanced in others. It was great making so many new friends all the time. I ended up as an Engineer Officer in the Merchant Navy when I left school continuing my passion for engineering, travel and adventure.
What does your role at primary Engineer involve?
I joined Primary Engineer as the Head Of Operations where I have overall responsibility to the Directors for all company support across Marketing, Service Delivery, IT, HR, Finance and Legals. My background is developing business across all functional areas. It is a very varied role and very enjoyable at Primary Engineer knowing we are encouraging more children, and especially girls to consider engineering careers. I help formulate company strategy and then work with the teams to implement the strategy providing direction and support.
Andrew Norris
Head of Partnerships – Central England
Andrew Norris, Head of Partnerships – Central England
Some of my earliest memories are of time spent on my Grandad’s farm so any job that involved tractors or diggers would probably have been top of the list!
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
As a member of the Partnerships team I build relationships with business, local government and universities. This involves looking for organisations with similar aims to Primary Engineer and explaining ways in which we can work together. I also enjoy working with our existing funders and love hearing about the difference made to our lives by engineers.
Nick Donnelly
Trainer
Nick Donnelly, Trainer
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
David Foxcroft
Service Delivery Lead
DAVID FOXCROFT, SERVICE DELIVERY LEAD
At Primary School I was obsessed with Lego. I wanted to build rockets and go and perform on other planets. I also loved reading and researching and thought about being a journalist. We set up a school newspaper and I loved my name being the main reporter on a story!
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
Together with my team I look after how we work our partners – whether they’re schools, engineers, universities, or industry supporters. We help make it as easy as possible for schools to take part in our work and inspire as many young people as possible with the possibilities of engineering.
Nick Donnelly
Trainer
Nick Donnelly, Trainer
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
David Foxcroft
Service Delivery Lead
DAVID FOXCROFT, SERVICE DELIVERY LEAD
At Primary School I was obsessed with Lego. I wanted to build rockets and go and perform on other planets. I also loved reading and researching and thought about being a journalist. We set up a school newspaper and I loved my name being the main reporter on a story!
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?Together with my team I look after how we work our partners – whether they’re schools, engineers, universities, or industry supporters. We help make it as easy as possible for schools to take part in our work and inspire as many young people as possible with the possibilities of engineering.
Josh Holt
Service Delivery Co-Ordinator
Josh Holt, Service Delivery Co-Ordinator
I wanted to be a chef throughout my time at primary school. Inspired by my grandma’s cooking and baking, I loved the magic of turning ingredients into a masterpiece. I may not be a chef now, but I’m certainly a professional eater.
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
My Role at Primary Engineer is ensuring that everything is taken care of, from the moment a new funding partner comes on board, a school is recruited all the way to the celebration of our achievement at the end. This and everything in between. I am a constant supporter of everyone we are involved with, be it partners or teachers.
Josh Pate
Service Delivery Co-Ordinator
Josh Pate, Service Delivery Co-Ordinator
I always wanted to be a footballer, even after primary school that was my main aim! wanting to be like my Idol David Beckham. However the best I can do now is take pictures with a shirt on and be at the ground weekly to watch 22 men run around a pitch kicking a ball.
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
My Role at Primary Engineer is ensuring that everything is taken care of, from the moment a new funding partner comes on board, a school is recruited all the way to the celebration of our achievement at the end. This and everything in between. I am a constant supporter of everyone we are involved with, be it partners or teachers.
Josh Holt
Service Delivery Co-Ordinator
JOSH Holt, Service Delivery Co-Ordinator
I wanted to be a chef throughout my time at primary school. Inspired by my grandma’s cooking and baking, I loved the magic of turning ingredients into a masterpiece. I may not be a chef now, but I’m certainly a professional eater.
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
My Role at Primary Engineer is ensuring that everything is taken care of, from the moment a new funding partner comes on board, a school is recruited all the way to the celebration of our achievement at the end. This and everything in between. I am a constant supporter of everyone we are involved with, be it partners or teachers.
Josh Pate
Service Delivery Co-Ordinator
JOSH PATE, Service Delivery Co-Ordinator
I always wanted to be a footballer, even after primary school that was my main aim! wanting to be like my Idol David Beckham. However the best I can do now is take pictures with a shirt on and be at the ground weekly to watch 22 men run around a pitch kicking a ball.
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
My Role at Primary Engineer is ensuring that everything is taken care of, from the moment a new funding partner comes on board, a school is recruited all the way to the celebration of our achievement at the end. This and everything in between. I am a constant supporter of everyone we are involved with, be it partners or teachers.
Jacob Bradley
Service Delivery Co-Ordinator
Jacob Bradley, Service Delivery Co-Ordinator
When I was at primary school, I really wanted to be in the military. It’s was maybe due to the fact that I loved being outside, rain or shine, and I loved camping, swimming, running, climbing and everything outdoors. If you look carefully, on a horrible day, you may still see me sat under a tree, enjoying the downpour.
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
My Role at Primary Engineer is ensuring that everything is taken care of, from the moment a new funding partner comes on board, a school is recruited all the way to the celebration of our achievement at the end. This and everything in between. I am a constant supporter of everyone we are involved with, be it partners or teachers.
Sophie Chatfield-Cox
Service Delivery Co-Ordinator
SOPHIE CHATFIELD-COX, Service Delivery Co-Ordinator
When I was at primary school, I loved Science and wanted to be a Coroner and perform autopsies, however at High School I discovered my love for acting and went on to get a degree in Drama, quite the change!
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
My Role at Primary Engineer is ensuring that everything is taken care of, from the moment a new funding partner comes on board, a school is recruited all the way to the celebration of our achievement at the end. This and everything in between. I am a constant supporter of everyone we are involved with, be it partners or teachers.
Jacob Bradley
Service Delivery Co-Ordinator
JACOB BRADLEY, Service Delivery Co-Ordinator
When I was at primary school, I really wanted to be in the military. It’s was maybe due to the fact that I loved being outside, rain or shine, and I loved camping, swimming, running, climbing and everything outdoors. If you look carefully, on a horrible day, you may still see me sat under a tree, enjoying the downpour.
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
My Role at Primary Engineer is ensuring that everything is taken care of, from the moment a new funding partner comes on board, a school is recruited all the way to the celebration of our achievement at the end. This and everything in between. I am a constant supporter of everyone we are involved with, be it partners or teachers.
Sophie Chatfield-Cox
Service Delivery Co-Ordinator
Sophie Chatfield-Cox, Service Delivery Co-Ordinator
When I was at primary school, I loved Science and wanted to be a Coroner and perform autopsies, however at High School I discovered my love for acting and went on to get a degree in Drama, quite the change!
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
My Role at Primary Engineer is ensuring that everything is taken care of, from the moment a new funding partner comes on board, a school is recruited all the way to the celebration of our achievement at the end. This and everything in between. I am a constant supporter of everyone we are involved with, be it partners or teachers.
Daniel Habany
Operations Assistant
Daniel Habany, Operations Assistant
Paleontologist
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
Operations Assistant, charged with organising stock, sending and packing kits, as well as general warehouse upkeep.
Daniel Habany
Operations Assistant
Daniel Habany, Operations Assistant
Paleontologist
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
Operations Assistant, charged with organising stock, sending and packing kits, as well as general warehouse upkeep.